What are Hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are caused when the veins in ones rectum dilate and gets swollen. Blood gets collected in the swollen veins making them stretch into the rectal and anal tissue membranes. We have explained in layman terms for an easy understanding of the problem.

So now what causes Hemorrhoids? There are certain conditions that could lead one to have hemorrhoids, some of the common reasons are:

Constipation / straining during bowel movement.

Diarrhea and the excessive pressure applied on the veins in the rectum area.

Pregnancy

Sitting in one place for an extended period of time.

Lack of fiber rich food in the diet

Obesity 

While all hemorrhoids are similar, there are slight variations in presentation leading to four different types of Hemorrhoids. 

Type 1: Internal Hemorrhoids: These are the type of hemorrhoid that is located inside the rectum. Often they are not visible and in most cases they might even disappear without any treatment. At times due to constant pressure an internal hemorrhoid will swell up and pop out of the anus and this condition is called prolapsed hemorrhoid.

Internal Hemorrhoids are usually not painful as there are no sensory nerves in this part of the body. You might most of the time notice the Hemorrhoids only when you physically get to see it during any kinda examination. However when you use the toilet, feces passing through your rectal area may irritate the internal hemorrhoids which may cause bleeding at some point.

Type 2 – External Hemorrhoids:

External hemorrhoids occur at the anus in the form of lumps. Unlike the Internal Hemorrhoids, external Hemorrhoids are quite evident and they cause uncomfortable symptoms until treated. Most commonly people experience itching, buring, uneasiness while doing some activities or sitting for longer duration and during bowel movements.

Type 3 – Prolapsed Hemorrhoids:

In this condition the internal hemorrhoids grows to a point that it appears outside of the anus. Basically prolapsed hemorrhoids are graded based on the severity.

Grade 1: No prolapse of Hemorrhoid

Grade 2: Hemorrhoids are prolapsed from the anus due to pressure during bowel movement but retract on their own

Grade 3: Prolapsed Hemorrhoids need to be pushed back by the patient.

Grade 4: This is a stage where the Hemorrhoids are large enough that they can hardly be pushed back into the anus without a significant amount of pain or discomfort. In these conditions it is recommended that you consult a Gastroenterologist who can assist you with treatment options. 

Type 4: Thrombosed Hemorrhoids: This is a condition where internal or external Hemorrhoids in which blood clot is developed within the tissue of the Hemorrhoid. They often look and feel like small lumps around the anus. Symptoms are often more severe than normal and can include intense itching, burning, pain, redness and swelling. If you are experiencing one, you may have difficulty in sitting, walking or passing stool. Quick treatment is recommended to prevent loss of blood supply and damage to the surrounding tissues.

Hemorrhoid Treatment at Sahasra:

If you are suffering from any form of Hemorrhoid its highly recommended that you seek medical advice of a gastroenterologist. Our specialists can offer treatment recommendations to help you find relief and also recommend necessary procedures should be required. The procedures required are typically daycare procedures and are as follows

• Signoidoscopy and banding
• Injection sclerotherapy
• Laser ablation of haemorrhoids
• Traditional hemorrhoidectomy
• Stapler hemorrhoidectomy

 In Sahasra, our team of Gastroenterologists are fully equipped to treat all kinda digestive related diseases.

Call us today for a private consultation or a regular routine checkup.